CLASSIFICATION GUIDE

Your approval letter has a number on it. Here's what that number means in dollars — and in care.

The assessor assigned you a classification from 1 to 8. That number determines how much quarterly funding you receive under the Support at Home program, and what services you can use it for.

Most families walk away from the assessment without knowing what their number means. This page explains it — and what to do if it doesn't feel right.

For the full picture of how Home Care Packages became Support at Home — and what changed — see our home care package guide.

THE SHORT VERSION

Classifications 1–8 range from $2,683/quarter to $19,527/quarter (effective 1 November 2025).

The money covers three types of services: Clinical (free), Independence Support (co-contribution applies), and Everyday Living (higher co-contribution).

If your classification feels too low, you can request a review. The most common fix: describe your hardest days, not your best ones.

What does your classification mean?

Select your classification number from your approval letter

All Support at Home classification budgets — 2025–2026

Effective 1 November 2025. Indexed on 1 July annually.

ClassificationPer QuarterPer YearEst. weekly hours
Class. 1$2,682.75$10,731.001–3 hours/week
Class. 2$4,008.61$16,034.452–4 hours/week
Class. 3$5,491.43$21,965.703–6 hours/week
Class. 4$7,424.10$29,696.405–8 hours/week
Class. 5$9,924.35$39,697.407–12 hours/week
Class. 6$12,028.58$48,114.3010–15 hours/week
Class. 7$14,537.04$58,148.1512–18 hours/week
Class. 8$19,526.59$78,106.3516–25 hours/week

Source: Support at Home program, Department of Health and Aged Care. Verify at My Aged Care.

What can your budget actually pay for?

All Support at Home services fall into three categories. Your co-contribution depends on which category the service falls into — not how much funding you have.

Clinical Care

Zero co-contribution
Nursing visitsWound careMedication management and administrationCatheter and continence care (clinical)Chronic condition managementPalliative care support

Independence Support

Co-contribution applies
Personal care — showering, dressing, groomingPhysiotherapyOccupational therapySpeech pathologyPodiatryAllied health assessments

⚠️ From 1 October 2026, personal care (showering, dressing, continence care) moves to Clinical Care — zero co-contribution from that date.

Everyday Living

Higher co-contribution applies
Domestic assistance — cleaning, laundryMeal preparation and deliveryTransport to appointments and social activitiesSocial support and companionshipHome maintenance (minor, safety-related)Garden maintenance (safety access)

What should you do if your classification feels wrong?

The assessment uses the IAT — Integrated Assessment Tool — a rules-based scoring algorithm. The most common reason for a lower-than-expected result: the person described what they can do, not what they struggle with. The assessor scores based on what you tell them.

Activate your funding now — don't wait for a review. You can request a reassessment at any time. The two aren't connected.

How to prepare for or dispute a classification review →

Common questions about Support at Home classifications

What are the Support at Home classification budget amounts?+

There are 8 classifications. Quarterly budgets (effective 1 November 2025): Class. 1: $2,682.75 | Class. 2: $4,008.61 | Class. 3: $5,491.43 | Class. 4: $7,424.10 | Class. 5: $9,924.35 | Class. 6: $12,028.58 | Class. 7: $14,537.04 | Class. 8: $19,526.59. These figures are indexed on 1 July each year.

Do I pay tax on my Support at Home budget?+

No. Your Support at Home budget is a government subsidy paid directly to your provider on your behalf. It is not income and is not taxable.

What happens to unspent budget at the end of the quarter?+

Unspent funds roll over — up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget, whichever is more. If you have legacy Home Care Package funds, those are kept separately with no rollover cap.

Can I use my budget for things that aren't on the approved services list?+

No. Your budget can only be used for services within the three Support at Home categories (Clinical, Independence, Everyday Living). Equipment funded through the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme is separate from your quarterly budget.

What happens after you understand your classification

The 56 days after approval is where most families lose thousands.

Knowing your classification number is step one. Activating it correctly — choosing the right provider, understanding fees, signing the right service agreement — is what determines how much of that budget actually goes to care. The Activation Guide covers every decision in those 56 days, specific to your classification and state.

Get the Activation Guide — $49 →
🛡

30-day money-back guarantee. If this plan doesn't help, reply to the delivery email for a full refund. No form, no justification required.

Navigator membership

Once services start, Navigator monitors your monthly statements and alerts you if fees change beyond what was agreed.

$29/month. Cancel anytime. No lock-in.

Learn about Navigator →

New to these terms? See the full glossary →

Last updated: 25 April 2026. Classification budgets effective 1 November 2025. Verify current rates at myagedcare.gov.au.